UK SMEs desperate to be green

Research carried out by Eclipse Internet reveals smaller firms are concerned about their carbon footprints

The majority of UK SMEs are crying out for help on going green according to research by ISP Eclipse Internet.

According to the results, 82 per cent of UK SME’s believe they need more guidelines from government on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

Surveying 250 SME’s across the UK, Eclipse found more than 85 per cent claim going green is a top priority and that it is part of their business strategy over the next five years. However, only 10 per cent of those surveyed understand the meaning of going green, leaving 90 per cent of SME’s with a lack of understanding and support.

Mark Lang, broadband and ISP development director at Eclipse, said: “SMEs are obviously taking going green very seriously, but cannot do this alone and want government advice on best practice. With the benefits of boosting productivity, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing work-life balance, smarter working practices, need to be higher in the going green list.”

The majority of recycling efforts were based on schemes such as recycling (76 per cent), reducing waste (67 per cent), and encouraging staff to turn equipment off when not in use (30 per cent). However, businesses were unaware of the potential reduction in commuting and flexible working.